Skip to content

Switch to whole grains

A 4-week challenge to inspire Europeans to eat more whole grains

Why this initiative?

Diets low in whole grains are recognised as the leading dietary risk factor for ill-health, disability, and early death in Europe.

Eating more whole grains lowers our risk of developing non-communicable diseases, such as colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Despite these well-documented health benefits, EU overall whole grain intake remains very low.

What are whole grains?

Whole grains refer to cereal grains that contain all three parts of the entire cereal grain (kernel): the bran, the germ, and the endosperm.

  • The bran: the fibre-rich outer layer of the kernel.
  • The germ: the nutrient-packed inner core of the kernel, containing many vitamins and minerals.
  • The endosperm: the central part of the kernel, primarily composed of starchy carbohydrates and proteins.

Examples of whole grains include whole wheat, brown rice, bulgur, millet, oatmeal, quinoa, whole rye, and many more!

What are the benefits of whole grains?

They’re a good source of vitamins & minerals

They’re high in dietary fibre

They help reduce our disease risk

They’re environmentally friendly

They add taste and texture to meals

Thinking of trying whole grains?

Switch To Whole Grains inspires and supports people to try switching white, refined grains for whole grain alternatives for one month and beyond. 

Ready to make the switch? Sign up for the 4-week challenge today by clicking the button below and unlock access to these amazing resources:

4 challenges to take part in, 1 per week

Delicious recipes

Tips & tricks to eat more whole grains

Join the social media campaign

Which whole grains are you switching to? Show us on social media using the hashtag #SwitchToWholeGrains and tagging @eufic. Over on @eufic, we will be championing healthy eating and sharing knowledge on the advantages of whole grains!

If you have been following my Stories, you’ll see I have been a busy baker. I have also been delivering lots of workshops, helping a feral cat who arrived one day with a badly injured eye, trying to tame the garden - which is not big but goes wild in the blink of an eye - and doing all the other ‘little’ daily tasks - you will know how it is!!!But today, I have a ‘desk day’ - which started with a very special breakfast: a Triple Rye Tartine with avocado, fried sesame quails’ eggs, pea shoots, a little chilli oil and a sprinkling of cayenne pepper. I LOVED it!!!The Triple Rye Sourdough is my newest recipe - made with 3 types of rye including cooked rye berries - all the details will be in my Magic of Sourdough: Triple Rye recipe booklet.Please DM if you would like to try it and treat yourself to a Triple Rye Tartine!Marie 🧡💛🤍#triplerye #tripleryesourdough #tartine #rye #ryeberries #sourdough #opencrumb #switchtowholegrains eufic #ryetoast #nutritiousbread #wholegrains #magicofsourdough #marielesterbaker

Sign up for the #SwitchToWholeGrains 4-week challenge

Learn to identify whole grain products, cook delicious meals, find practical tips for a smooth, gradual switch, and much more!

Want WhatsApp updates too? Share your number.